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The Under-The-Radar And Affordable Skincare Brands You Should Check Out

If 2017 left you looking a little worse for wear, embrace the whole ‘new year, new you’ adage and recharge your skincare regime (and your glow) with products from any of these relatively unheard of skincare brands. Bonus: they won’t burn a hole in your pocket either, so you’ll actually be able to stick to that ‘save more money’ resolution.

#1: The Ordinary

Photo: Instagram / hellobeauty_kras

Hailing from Canada, this skincare brand is making major waves in the beauty industry for its range of products boasting fully active clinical formulas that go for less than $15 a pop. From retinoids to acids to vitamins, all their products are actually evidence-backed by science and come in geek-chic packaging that’ll look good on your Instagram feed. Note: you’ll want to carefully research what you actually need as it isn’t specifically stated what product is for what skin issue.
We recommend: Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil, $19.40, Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%, $19.40, Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane, $25.86. Available at ASOS.com.

#2: Thayers Natural Remedies

Photo: Instagram / ThayersNatural

With over thousands of positive reviews on Amazon, this bang-for-your-buck skincare line is best known for its toner, made from healing witch hazel, calming aloe vera and free from harsh alcohol. Suitable for all skin types, reviewers have claimed regular use has helped soothe skin ailments like rosacea, eczema and even severe acne breakouts. They have since expanded their product line into facial mists, lip balms, body bars and soothing lotions.
We recommend: Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner, US$10.95, Citrus Witch Hazel Body Bar, US$4.99. Available on thayers.com.

#3: InstaNatural

Photo: Instagram / instanatural

Yet another frequently reviewed-and-raved Amazon favourite, InstaNatural boasts a line of organic and natural products that are safe for even expecting mothers. They offer a wide range of products to treat various skincare concerns, and if you order from Amazon, can save quite a bit of cash by purchasing their various bundles. They contain no parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes or mineral oil, making it safe for most skin types.
We recommend: Retinol Moisturiser, $21.09, Vitamin C serum, $20.06, $20.06, Hyaluronic Serum, $20.45. Available on iherb.com.

#5: French Girl Organics

Photo: instagram / frenchgirlorganics

Luxury, organic and vegan skincare but without the hefty price tag? Yes, please. Enter French Girl Organics, a line of products made from organic, wild-crafted and sustainable ingredients inspired by France’s natural bounty. Achieve that je ne c’est quoi and channel your inner effortless French girl with these products that are just as good for your skin as it is for the earth.
We recommend: Rose Lip Polish, US$15, Néroli Du Maroc Facial Oil Elixir, US$44, Néroli Du Maroc Cleansing Wash, US$18. Available on www.frenchggirlorganics.com.

#6: Averr Aglow

Photo: Averr Aglow

Designer to heal blemishes and help you achieve flawless, glowing skin, Averr Aglow’s skincare line is formulated with organic and wildcrafted botanical and mineral ingredients. Specifically created to treat sensitive and problematic skin, their entire range consists of just 6 products made with ingredients like French Pink Clay, corals that contain over 70 minerals, rosewater and other botanicals rich in antioxidant to help you achieve the best skin of your life.
We recommend: Luminous Complexion Toner, US$45, Flawless Nourishment Cream, US$43, Clarifying Hydration Dew, US$29. Available on averraglow.com. Ships within US so you’ll need to organise your own parcel forwarding.

#7: Red Earth

Photo: Instagram / redearthbeauty

Embracing Australia’s low-key vibes and effortless beauty aesthetic, Red Earth is the latest beauty brand from down under that is creating a major buzz in the western markets. Formulated with ingredients native to down under, such as Tasmanian sea kelp and Kakadu plums, achieve that kissed-by-nature glow that all Aussie girls seem to born with.
We recommend: Hydrate Supercharge Serum, US$41, Hydrate Refreshing Cleanser, US$20, Brighten Rejuvenating Serum, US$45. Available on www.redearth.com. Ships worldwide.

#8: S.W Basics

Photo: Instagram / swbasics

Go back to basics and embrace minimalism in your skincare with aptly named skincare brand S.W Basics. Their beautifully designed packaging clearly lists all the stuff that will eventually end up on your skin, and most products contain no more than 5 ingredients, closely adhering to their “less is more” philosophy. Certified USDA organic, S.W Basics’ products are made with organically grown ingredients, contain no toxins (such as phthalates) and are hypoallergenic. PS: you can save up to 10% by subscribing to their 30, 60 or 90-day purchase program.
We recommend: Toner, $40, Cream, $59, Cleanser, $40. Available from www.anupliftedday.com. Ships to Singapore.